Today TVNZ launches an innovative computer desktop designed specifically for children through an extension of its popular Kidzone television brand.

The Kidzone Magic Desktop software provides safe internet access and secure email plus games, music and learning activities. The colourful Kidzone-themed interface will also feature familiar channel faces, including Kayne Peters.

Kidzone Magic Desktop functions as an operating system on Windows-based PCs and solves a problem familiar to all families with small children; how to allow children to use the computer without the risk of them being subject to inappropriate material or making unwanted changes to important computer files and settings. 

"Today's kids are growing up in a digital world. Child-safe and child-friendly Kidzone Magic Desktop is a worry-free zone for parents. TVNZ is delighted to extend the channel's presence and help support the next generation as they learn new life skills," says Eric Kearley, TVNZ's Head of Digital Media and Digital Channels.

Available from 1 August, a free introductory trial allows parents to test run Kidzone Magic Desktop. An upgrade to the premium edition gives access to Kidzone videos, additional games and learning tools. The premium edition costs just $19.99, with $1 of each sale going to the children's charity Cure Kids.

Josie Spillane from Cure Kids says, "Cure Kids is delighted to be part of Kidzone Magic Desktop. It's a fantastic initiative and many of our ambassadors with life threatening illnesses already enjoy Kidzone on television.

"Every dollar that's donated will be used to fund medical research into life threatening illnesses that affect our Kiwi kids - you never know what dollar might be the dollar that funds a cure."

ENDS

For further information:
tvnz.co.nz/kidzonemagicdesktop

For more information and interview requests contact:
Danielle Knight
Publicist & Brand Manager TVNZ Kidzone24
021 658 787

About Magic Desktop
The Kidzone Magic Desktop was developed for TVNZ in a partnership with EasyBits. Their children's operating system is installed in over 30 million computers worldwide. Their flagship product is the award winning Magic Desktop, which was benchmarked for two years in a row as "the best software for children up to 10 years of age" by a study carried out by Deloitte & Touche for the EU's initiative - Safer Internet Day. Other EasyBits Partners include Disney, Dell and NEC.

About TVNZ Kidzone24:
TVNZ Kidzone24 is a 24 hour pre-school children's channel. It's the only locally produced children's channel, featuring trusted educational and inspiring content in an advertising-free environment. For more information, go to www.tvnz.co.nz/kidzone24
TVNZ Kidzone24 is available on SKY channel 046.

About Cure Kids:
Cure Kids was established over 35 years ago to address the lack of research into life-threatening childhood illnesses in New Zealand. During that time Cure Kids have invested over $26 million in vital medical research. This research has helped save many young lives and improved the quality of life for thousands of children.